Castanets, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

"Castanets" is a chromolithograph from the "Musical Instruments" series of trade cards produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1888. The card depicts a woman in traditional garb, holding castanets high above her head as she performs a lively dance. These cards were designed as advertisements for Duke brand cigarettes and were distributed widely, becoming popular collectibles. The vibrant colors and detailed illustration make the card an eye-catching example of the artistic style popular in late 19th-century advertising. The card is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's extensive collection of trade cards. "Musical Instruments" trade cards, cigarette cards, chromolithograph, advertising.